Effects of Extrinsic Conditions on Measurement of Sensation Seeking

Abstract

The effects of experimentally induced changes in levels of arousal on a measure of arousal (sensation-seeking) were studied. Different levels of arousal were induced in three groups of 40 subjects, then the Sensation Seeking Scale was administered to each group. Total arousal score and several subscores were significantly affected by the experimental conditions. Although individual differences in arousal levels measured by the scale are postulated to be relatively enduring, situational functions must be taken into consideration in the interpretation of test scores.

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